Artwork

The Resurrection: The angel rolling away the stone from the sepulchre

The Resurrection: The angel rolling away the stone from the sepulchre is a watercolor work on paper by the Romanticist artist William Blake. It dates from 1808 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

The Resurrection is a watercolour created by William Blake in 1808, depicting a pivotal moment in the Christian narrative. The work features three angelic figures and a sleeping, clothed man in a dimly lit setting, characterized by soft, smoky colors that evoke an inner glow.

Subject & Meaning

The scene illustrates the moment an angel rolls away the stone from Christ's sepulchre, with Christ lying on the ground, wrapped in cloth. Two angels attend nearby, one looking down and the other leaning forward, while the third angel above uses its feet to move the stone, arms outstretched.

Technique & Style

Blake employed his distinctive watercolour technique to achieve a ghostly, glowing effect, suggesting light emanates from within the figures rather than an external source. This approach aligns with his innovative and expressive artistic style.

History & Provenance

Originally owned by Thomas Butts, the watercolour passed through several collectors, including J C Strange, Sydney Morse, and Esmond Morse, before being donated to a museum by Esmond Morse's heirs. It was exhibited multiple times from 1876 to 1947.

Context

This work reflects Blake's tendency to reinterpret religious themes through his unique artistic lens, blending traditional subjects with his bold, visionary style.